Your First Night at the Firehouse
New here? We’ve got you.
Coming swing dancing for the first time can bring up a surprising number of questions. What do I wear? Do I need a partner? What happens after class? Who am I supposed to dance with? Here’s what to know before you come—and once you’re here.
Before you come
The practical stuff first.
What should I wear?
Whatever you’re comfortable moving in! There’s no dress code.
You’ll see everything from jeans and T-shirts to dresses and button-downs. Just keep in mind that dancing can get warm.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
You do not need dance shoes to get started.
Comfortable shoes that stay securely on your feet are best. Shoes that slide a little are often easier to dance in than very grippy athletic shoes.
If you decide you love dancing, you can always ask us or another dancer about dance shoes later.
Do I need a partner?
Nope! Most people come without one.
During class, we rotate partners so you get to dance with lots of different people. If you’d rather stay with one partner or not rotate, that’s okay too.
Which class should I take?
Either intro/beginner class is fine to start with! The intro class often moves a little slower than the beginner class but both are designed for people to drop-in for their very first class on any week of the month. Yup, that means you can get started in the middle of the month-no problem!
You can always start with our 7 pm Intro class and add the Beginner class on for just $7/$5 after! Both classes teach different material.
When should I arrive?
ADD YOUR ARRIVAL / We recommend arriving 15 minutes early so you have enough time to ask any questions and check in. We cover the footwork in the first 10-15 minutes so you don't want to miss it! We do a group warm-up at 7:55 pm so if you're taking the 8 pm class, make sure to arrive early!
Where do I park?
There is free parking both in front and around the building
Do you have water?
You can fill up your water bottle at the fridge or sink! We do provide cups in case your bottle didn't make it to the dance!
Bringing your own water bottle is always a good idea—you’ll probably use it!
How much does it cost?
Just $15 ($12 24&under or military) for one class. If you'd like to take 2 hours, pay just $7/$5 extra.O The social dance after class is included on DJ nights. Visit our home page for our next next live music event date.
A few things that make dancing better for everyone
You don’t need to memorize a rulebook. These few things go a long way.
Don’t teach your partner unless they ask.
Even if you’re trying to help! Social dancing is different from class. Unless someone asks for feedback, just dance and have fun.
Pay attention to the people around you.
The dance floor can get busy. Keep your movements appropriate for the amount of space available and watch out for nearby dancers.
If there’s a collision, check in.
Bumps happen. A quick apology and making sure everyone is okay is all it takes.
Check in with your partner.
If you aren’t sure whether someone is comfortable with something, ask.
Speak up if you need something changed.
It’s completely normal to say things like:
- “Could we slow down?”
- “Could you give me a little more space?”
- “Please don’t dip me.”
- “Can we keep this a little smaller?”
We want you to feel comfortable here
Dancing with someone is always your choice.
- You can say no to a dance.
- You can stop dancing in the middle of a song.
- You can ask someone to give you more space.
- You can tell someone not to dip you or do a particular movement.
- You can choose not to dance with someone again.
If someone makes you uncomfortable, crosses a boundary, won’t take no for an answer, or you’re simply not sure how to handle a situation, please come talk to us.
You don’t have to decide whether something is “serious enough” before talking to someone.
Talk to:
Erin Roos/Instructor & Organizer
Derrick Roos/Instructor & Organizer
You can also speak with someone at the front desk and ask to talk privately. They can locate Erin or Derrick for you, if you'd like.
Still have questions?
Please ask us!
There are very few questions we haven’t heard before, and we promise we aren't scary...Erin spends her free time dressing plastic geese on her front porch and Derrick has to ask for a fork when eating ramen. You're already way cooler than us.
Most importantly: you belong on the dance floor even if you’re brand new.
Ask someone to dance. Try the three moves you remember from class. Mess them up. Laugh. Try again.
That’s how everybody starts.
Welcome to the Firehouse. □
Okay…class is over. Now what?
This is the part that can feel mysterious the first time.
Am I actually ready to social dance?
Yes!
You don’t need to wait until you’re “good enough.” If you’ve taken the intro class, you can start social dancing.
You don’t need a bunch of moves. You don’t need to dance an entire song perfectly. And you definitely don’t need to look like the experienced dancers around the room...we were once beginners, too!
How do I ask someone to dance?
It can really be as simple as:
“Would you like to dance?”
That’s it. Anyone can ask anyone to dance. You don’t have to wait for someone to ask you.
Can I ask experienced dancers to dance?
Absolutely. You don’t have to stick with other beginners.
The Firehouse is a social dance, and people typically dance with lots of different partners throughout the night.
Can I say no?
Always.
You can decline a dance for any reason, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
“No thanks!” is a complete answer.
You can also change your mind or stop a dance after it has started if you need to.
What if someone says no to me?
Don’t take it personally.
People sit out dances for all kinds of reasons: they’re tired, need water, are waiting for someone, don’t want that particular song, or simply don’t feel like dancing.
A quick “No problem!” is all that’s needed.
What if I’m terrible?
You probably won’t be great at first. That’s kind of the point of being a beginner! Keep with it, we got you!
You might forget the footwork. You might lose the beat. You might do the same move approximately 47 times.
It’s okay.
Social dancing isn’t a performance. Nobody expects you to know everything, and you don’t need to apologize every time something doesn’t work.